Highlights of Greece Small Ship Cruise

Welcome to Athens! Our driver will meet you upon arrival and provide a private transfer to your accommodation in the city. After checking into your hotel, you’ll have the remainder of the day at your leisure. You might simply relax and take advantage of the hotel amenities which include a rooftop garden for dining with unobstructed views of the Acropolis. Or head out to do some exploring. With your hotel located in the picturesque Plaka neighborhood, there’s a lot to discover within easy reach, including historic attractions, unique boutiques, souvenir shops, and sidewalk cafes for sipping wine while soaking up the atmosphere.

This morning, continue independent explorations before embarking on one of the top day trips from the Greek capital. Your tour is perfectly timed to watch the sun go down in one of the best vantage points, overlooking the Aegean from the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion. Along the way, enjoy an hour’s swim stop at Lake Vouliagmeni. Or, outside of summer, visit an award-winning Mediterranean garden. Refreshments are included to help you fuel up for the ascent to the temple, set atop a hill towering above the sea. Built of local marble in 444 BC, it even includes Lord Byron’s carved graffiti.

Meals Included:
Breakfast

Excursions Included:
Private sunset tour to the Temple of Poseidon with a swim stop

The cruising portion of your adventure begins today. After checking out of your hotel, your driver will meet you for a private transfer to the Port of Piraeus where the Variety Voyager, your impressive Variety Cruises ship awaits. One of the best in the fleet, it comes complete with full spa services. A welcome drink will be provided with your departure bringing you along the Attica coast. If possible, the vessel will Cape Sounion, providing another look at the Temple of Poseidon from the perspective of the water. Enjoy dinner after making the short sail to Kea, overnighting at sea.

Meals Included:
Breakfast & Welcome Dinner

This morning you’ll wake up off the shores of Delos Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a sacred place with some of the most extensive ruins dating from the 5th- to 4th centuries BC. Marvel at the magnificently preserved Venetian and Byzantine architecture, mosaics, temples, a theater, and statues before continuing to nearby Mykonos. Enjoy a swim stop along the way and upon arrival, you’ll have the rest of the day to explore on your own. You might visit a beautiful sandy beach or the iconic windmills overlooking Little Venice. Or wander Mykonos Town with upscale shops, world-class restaurants, and renowned nightlife.

Meals Included:
Breakfast & Lunch

Optional Excursions:
Tour of Delos

Enjoy the views while cruising from Mykonos to Santorini. Upon arrival, you’ll be face-to-face with its dramatic caldera. An optional tour is available that showcases the island’s secrets or you can explore on your own. There are some unique colorful beaches here like Red Beach with fiery red sands, traditional villages with whitewashed Cycladic architecture and blue-domed churches, and a renowned archaeological site. Akrotiri is a fascinating Pompeii-like settlement where one can glimpse life some 3,700 years ago. Much of the ancient town was preserved under a blanket of volcanic ash, covered in the massive 1600 BC eruption.

Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch & ‘Greek Night’ Dinner

Optional Excursions:
Tour of Santorini’s ‘secrets’

Continuing to Crete, enjoy the entire day to yourself with an optional tour available that explores the ancient palace of Knossos. Located near Heraklion, it’s Crete’s most important archaeological site, the former home of the Minoan civilization which was at its peak from 1700 to 1400 BC. You’ll enjoy a fascinating look at life during ancient times, with even the pipes of the water supply and sewage system still visible. Or, stick around and perhaps explore Old Town Rethymno which has a picturesque Venetian harbor, a lighthouse, and a hilltop 16th-century citadel. Departure for Kythira is later this evening.

Meals Included:
Breakfast & Lunch

Optional Excursions:
Excursion to Knossos Palace, Europe’s oldest settlement

As your Variety ship makes its way to Kythira, you’ll have the chance to leap into the sparkling turquoise waters. Upon arrival to this secluded and remote island itself, you’ll find many beaches to relax on along with rich history to explore. You’ll be steps from the delights of Kapsali village, one of the island’s most picturesque settlements with a romantic atmosphere and tavernas for dining with a stunning view. Kapsali Beach is one of Kythira’s most popular beaches and boasts a breathtaking mountain backdrop along with many cafes and restaurants. The knowledgeable crew will be happy to provide dining recommendations.

Meals Included:
Breakfast & Lunch

Departing early this morning for Monemvasia, a medieval walled town carved right into a rock, its Old Town is part of the castle which the Venetians called “the Gibraltar of the East.” Like a living museum, it’s filled with Byzantine and Venetian architecture which now houses various shops, restaurants, and boutique hotels. From the Fortress of Youlas, you can enjoy a fabulous view overlooking it all. Afterward, continue to Nafplion, one of the region’s most photogenic towns, enjoying a swim stop along the way. You’ll have time to explore the narrow streets of the spectacular historic center on your own.

Meals Included:
Breakfast & Lunch

This morning, a short drive will bring you to Mycenae where you can take advantage of an optional tour that explores this UNESCO-listed site. A Bronze-age acropolis set atop a hill, it played an important role in classical Greek culture. The ancient city was abandoned over 2,000 years ago and is now an archaeological site. This afternoon, continue your cruise to tranquil Hydra. Exploring feels like a walk back through time, without the hum of car engines as they aren’t permitted here. Transport is by donkey, foot, or boat. The Captain’s Farewell Dinner concludes the day while making the return to Athens.

Meals Included:
Breakfast, Lunch & Captain’s Dinner

Optional Excursions:
Tour of Mycenae archaeological site

Your exciting voyage will soon come to an end so you’ll want to have your bags packed and ready. Your driver will meet you upon disembarkation for a private transfer to Athens’ airport where you can catch your flight home or continue your travels elsewhere. Our travel experts will be happy to help should you need assistance. Either way, we wish you a safe journey, with memories of a lifetime and lots of photos to bring with you to share with family and friends.

Meals Included:
Breakfast